D4DJ

D4DJ

Company type	Multimedia franchise
Industry	Music, entertainment
Founder	Bushiroad
Key people	Kō Nakamura (original narrative), Takaaki Kidani (executive producer)
Products	Multimedia franchise including anime series and smartphone rhythm game (D4DJ Groovy Mix)
Owner	Donuts (since 2024)

D4DJ (an abbreviation for Dig Delight Direct Drive DJ) is a Japanese multimedia music franchise developed by Bushiroad, featuring an original narrative by Kō Nakamura and overseen by executive producer Takaaki Kidani. The series revolves around live disc jockey performances and includes a smartphone rhythm game titled D4DJ Groovy Mix. Its anime adaptation, D4DJ First Mix, was broadcast from October 2020 through January 2021. Following this, the spin-off anime D4DJ Petit Mix aired between February and July 2021, with a special standalone episode, D4DJ Double Mix, released in August 2022. The franchise's second season, D4DJ All Mix, was televised from January to March 2023. Ownership of the franchise transitioned to Donuts in 2024.

Plot

After returning to Japan, Rinku Aimoto, a first-year high school student, enrolls at Yoba Girls' Academy where she encounters Maho Akashi, the school's DJ and broadcaster. Witnessing a performance by Yoba's celebrated DJ group "Peaky P-key" sparks Rinku’s passion for DJing. She teams up with Maho to create their own unit, "Happy Around!", later joined by the illustrator Muni Ohnaruto and pianist Rei Togetsu.

Happy Around!

This fresh idol-themed DJ group from Yoba Academy derives its name from Rinku’s signature phrase expressing delight during her performances. Their sound fuses J-pop with dubstep, infused with styles such as happy hardcore and gabber.

Having spent part of her childhood in Africa due to her parents’ employment, Rinku returned to Japan prior to starting high school and now lives with her grandparents. On her initial day at school, Maho introduced her to DJing by inviting her to a Peaky P-key show. An upbeat and occasionally quirky individual, Rinku perceives musical rhythms through bodily movement and functions as Happy Around!’s lead vocalist and dancer. She holds a strong emotional bond with Muni, becoming visibly upset when their friendship faces challenges. Her name is a play on the word "link."

Known by the nickname "Mash," Maho is the school’s DJ broadcaster who began her DJ journey after attending an outdoor concert during childhood. Initially reluctant to join Rinku’s group, she was persuaded by Rinku’s enthusiasm. She possesses domestic skills such as cooking and housekeeping, cultivated through caring for younger siblings.

An illustrator and VJ recognized online as "VJ Only," Muni approaches her craft seriously but is sensitive to criticism. A childhood companion of Rinku, she hesitantly joins the group but nearly withdraws due to stage fright. She is identified by her rabbit-ear headband and carries a cat plush toy named Nyochio.

Coming from an affluent family background, Rei is a talented pianist who faces high expectations from her parents. She composes and arranges music for the unit. Like Maho, she attended a similar outdoor DJ event previously, although they were unaware of each other at that time.

Peaky P-key

This hip hop-inspired DJ unit from Yoba Academy was established during middle school years. Their musical approach combines techno, hip hop, and electro-pop elements.

Kyoko serves as the charismatic leader hailing from a musically inclined family and admires Happy Around! after witnessing their debut performance.

Shinobu is the intelligent DJ and adept remixer who has shared a close friendship with Kyoko since childhood. She also enjoys playing online games.

Yuka acts as the cheerful morale booster and VJ of the group. Raised by parents who are gym trainers, she joined Peaky P-key while seeking memorable moments to capture and supports the team as their closest friend.

Known as the self-styled "lovely-type" performer, she invests personal funds to engage audiences effectively. She shares a childhood friendship with Kurumi from Lyrical Lily.

Photon Maiden

This DJ group, themed around science fiction and managed by an entertainment company, consists of students from Yoba. Their sound is a fusion of trance, techno, and dance genres.

Saki excels academically and athletically and experiences chromesthesia, perceiving music as colors. Offstage, she presents a doll-like persona.

The energetic leader with a background in show production school, she was naturally drawn to both dancing and singing.

Towa, passionate about idols and connected to local festivals through her family, studies idol performances closely and has a fondness for sweets despite pre-show cautions.

A theater enthusiast inspired to perform after receiving praise in workshops, she is inquisitive and talkative about her interests. She notably abducted Lyrical Lily in Petit Mix and harbors a strong fixation on Muni.

Merm4id

This stylish DJ unit with a tropical motif is made up of first-year students from Seiho University who aspire to achieve fame comparable to Photon Maiden. Their music merges electro house with progressive trance.

Rika leads the group with the philosophy "Life is to enjoy!" She enjoys singing and dancing at social gatherings and began DJing alongside her close friend Marika, as well as Saori and Dalia.

Marika, a laid-back university student and model who was once popular on campus, formed a close bond with Rika after she approached her despite her widespread attention.

Saori started DJing during high school and has honed her skills over time. Although initially reluctant, she joined Merm4id to actively pursue her ambitions.

Dalia is devoted to multiple dance styles and also acts as the group's bodyguard.

RONDO

A gothic rock-inspired ensemble of first-year Seiho University students performing at the exclusive venue "ALTER-EGO." Their sound combines elements of trance, rock, and drum and bass.

A naturally gifted vocalist brought in by Aoi to fulfill the group's need for singing talent. She quickly attracted notice and appears to have romantic feelings for Aoi.

Nagisa grew up in a family passionate about rock music. She found ALTER-EGO while searching for rehearsal space and often visits Hiiro’s residence.

The mature VJ of Rondo uses her artistic background to craft the group's distinctive visual style.

An exclusive club DJ who established Rondo by recruiting Tsubaki for her vocal abilities.

Lyrical Lily

This lolita-themed DJ unit hails from Arisugawa Academy, an esteemed all-girls Catholic institution. Their musical style mixes synth-pop, house, and classical influences.

Miyu is gentle and well-mannered. She started DJing after discovering analog equipment with friends. Influenced by her family heritage, she enjoys singing and is knowledgeable about Showa-era and nostalgic tunes.

Haruna is earnest and serves on her high school’s disciplinary committee. Her kind nature sometimes leads her into difficulties.

Kurumi, a cheerful childhood friend of Esora’s, seeks enjoyment as an escape from the strict upbringing typical for children of affluent families, often engaging in playful mischief.

Miiko is outgoing and passionate about global travel, supported by her proficiency in English. She frequently joins Kurumi in pranks, often targeting Haruna.

Call of Artemis

Originally a high school DJ group consisting of four members, this unit disbanded prior to First Mix due to differences in creative vision.

Airi is currently employed as a waitress at Cafe Vinyl. Eight years before the events of the series, she belonged to a quartet DJ group. Following their breakup, she partnered with Mana to create Scarlet Canary.

Mana was also part of the initial four-person ensemble.

Shano, another original member, transitioned into music production and established Photon Maiden.

Tōka, from the founding lineup, later collaborated with Shano to form Lynx Eyes.

UniChØrd

A pop-house DJ ensemble initiated by Michiru Kaibara at the behest of Lumina Ichihoshi. Their cosmic-themed image parallels that of Photon Maiden but adopts a brighter and more upbeat tone. This group notably includes members engaged in an openly lesbian relationship.

Michiru, an independent DJ and childhood acquaintance of Shinobu from Peaky, aspires to outshine Shinobu and is known for her expressive demeanor. She leads this newly formed unit alongside three other female members.

Lumina, a well-known virtual vocalist, invited Michiru, Kokoa, and Hayate to establish the DJ group. Later disclosed as an AI modeled after the late singer Aria, she receives a humanoid robotic form.

Kokoa is a sharp-tongued first-year honors student at Arisugawa Academy who harbors past resentments toward Michiru. She is romantically involved with Hayate.

Hayate, a poetic first-year student at Arisugawa Academy recognized for her candid speech, maintains a romantic relationship with Kokoa.

Abyssmare

An American DJ unit with a gothic motif managed by Sho Mitsuhashi, competing against Japanese DJ groups. Members are identified solely by their first names; their full identities remain undisclosed.

The composed leader and vocalist of the group. A musical prodigy recruited by Sho to realize her ambition of becoming the world's top vocalist. She is the daughter of Aria, a late singer who inspired Airi Amano.

The intuitive DJ with low self-confidence stemming from a challenging upbringing. She developed a profound fixation on Neo after Neo’s voice was believed to have saved her life.

Serving as dancer and chorus, she considers herself Abyssmare’s "number 2." Intelligent and strategic, she commands a team of bodyguards and frequently conflicts with Weronika.

A dancer and subvocalist known for her short temper but affectionate nature toward children, especially siblings. She holds a fierce rivalry with Neo and often disputes with Elsie.

A Bad Cynic Doggo

A spin-off DJ unit featured in D4DJ Groovy Mix, primarily performing at Club DOGHOUSE. Introduced in A Bad Cynic Doggo VOL.1.

Known more for her brash attitude and profanity than musical expertise. Adept at provoking others, she harbors an unreciprocated inferiority complex toward Yoba Academy and Rinku Aimoto.

Daughter of Club DOGHOUSE’s proprietor, well-versed in DJing, sound equipment management, and promotions. Always cheerful but strict regarding financial matters.

A skilled turntablist recognized since youth. Deeply engaged in music subcultures and secretly admires Kyoko Yamate.

A mysterious member repeating a grade level. Highly proficient in track creation, arrangement, rapping, and controlling musical flow. Exhibits energetic bursts following sugar consumption.

Additional Characters

Ryujin operates as both the bartender and proprietor of Cafe Vinyl. Prior to the series timeline, eight years earlier, he was affiliated with the DJ ensemble LM.O., which included Shinobu’s grandfather.

Dennoji, who is Shinobu’s grandfather, formerly worked as a DJ and was part of LM.O., greatly influencing her path.

Ku, the son of Sho Mitsuhashi (an ex-member of LM.O.), served as the inaugural host for the renewed D4 FES event.

Haruki, Michiru’s uncle, also shares a history as a DJ and previous member of LM.O.

Masaki oversees operations at Alter-Ego nightclub, where RONDO performs; her personal history and affiliations are largely undisclosed.

Laura is an American DJ and producer collaborating remotely with Saori on shared musical endeavors.

Sakuya holds the position of student council president at Arisugawa Academy. She is dedicated to upholding tradition and perceives Lyrical Lily’s DJ activities as a challenge, identifying Haruna Kasuga as her rival.

Ayumi acts as the composed yet cunning vice president of the student council and has been friends with Sakuya since childhood.

Hitomi functions as the student council secretary and previously exhibited an interest in DJing.

Riaru works as the general affairs clerk within Arisugawa Academy’s student council. She is intrigued by aristocratic lifestyles associated with "ojou-samas" and claims lineage from a ninja clan.

Anime

The anime series D4DJ First Mix was publicly revealed in 2019. Produced by Sanzigen under the direction of Seiji Mizushima, it premiered early on October 22, 2020, before officially broadcasting from October 30, 2020, through January 29, 2021, across channels including Tokyo MX and BS NTV. The opening track "Guru Guru DJ TURN!!" was delivered by Happy Around!, while the ending theme—a rendition of "WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Toki niwa Okose yo Movement~" originally by H Jungle with T—was performed by Nana Mizuki alongside Raychell.

Bushiroad acquired global streaming distribution rights, covering North America through platforms such as Funimation, Crunchyroll, and Sentai Filmworks, with Sentai also arranging a Blu-ray release. Additional streaming was available via Hidive in select territories. Licensing for South and Southeast Asia was handled by Medialink through the Ani-One YouTube channel, while Aniplus Asia provided simulcasts within Southeast Asia.

An English-language dub produced by Bang Zoom! Entertainment began streaming on January 16, 2021.

A related chibi-style anime short series titled D4DJ Petit Mix aired between February 5 and July 30, 2021. Directed by Seiya Miyajima at DMM.futureworks in collaboration with W-Toon Studio, it featured Happy Around! performing the theme "Petit Mix Party Night!".

On March 13, 2022, Bushiroad announced a special episode named D4DJ Double Mix, with Seiji Mizushima returning as chief director and Daisuke Suzuki directing. This special premiered on August 19, 2022.

The second season, D4DJ All Mix, which includes six music units such as Lyrical Lily, was unveiled on April 8, 2022. The original creative team returned with Daisuke Suzuki directing and Mizushima serving again as chief director. It aired from January 13 to March 31, 2023. The opening theme "Maihime" was performed by Lyrical Lily, while various cast members contributed to the ending theme "Around and Around".

D4DJ First Mix

{{Episode list

• EpisodeNumber | 10
• Title | Brand New World
• DirectedBy | Daichi Ōmori
• WrittenBy | Gō Zappa
• OriginalAirDate |
• ShortSummary | Motivated by Rinku, Rei delivers her song at the Battle Mix Party. Happy Around! triumphs over Photon Maiden after both groups unveil fresh tracks; Rinku forms a friendship with Photon Maiden’s Towa Hanamaki.

}} {{Episode list

• EpisodeNumber | 11
• Title | Voice of Evolution
• DirectedBy | Yūya Yano
• WrittenBy | Gō Zappa
• OriginalAirDate |
• ShortSummary | Saki Izumo of Photon Maiden presents a remix expressing her wish for artistic freedom. Despite initial doubts from the producer, the remix gains approval and is well-received during live performances.

}} {{Episode list

• EpisodeNumber | 12
• Title | Childhood Friends
• DirectedBy | Daichi Ōmori
• WrittenBy | Yuniko Ayana
• OriginalAirDate |
• ShortSummary | Rinku and Muni confront challenges in a rap battle symbolizing their fragile friendship. With Rei and Maho facilitating open dialogue through music, they mend their relationship and deepen their connection.

}} {{Episode list

• EpisodeNumber | 13
• Title | Groovy Mix
• DirectedBy | Daisuke Suzuki
• WrittenBy | Yuniko Ayana
• OriginalAirDate |
• ShortSummary | In Sunset Stage’s opening round, Happy Around! competes against Peaky P-key but is defeated as Peaky P-key advances to claim the championship. Both groups receive invitations to an afterparty hosted by Photon Maiden.

}}

D4DJ Petit Mix

{{Episode list  

│ EpisodeNumber       =13  
│ Title               =Trials of Dreams  
│ TranslitTitle       =Yume e no Shiren  
│ NativeTitle         =夢への試練  
│ NativeTitleLangCode =ja  
│ DirectedBy          =Motoki Nakanishi  
│ WrittenBy           =Gigaemon Ichikawa  
│ OriginalAirDate     =  
│ ShortSummary        =The units face a demanding obstacle course for U4 Fes qualification, testing their collaboration and DJ abilities.  

}} {{Episode list  

│ EpisodeNumber       =14  
│ Title               =Rei's Challenge  
│ TranslitTitle       =Rei no Aratanaru Chōsen  
│ NativeTitle         =麗の新たなる挑戦  
│ NativeTitleLangCode =ja  
│ DirectedBy          =Motoki Nakanishi  
│ WrittenBy           =Haruka  
│ OriginalAirDate     =  
│ ShortSummary        =Rei explores blending traditional Japanese and African instruments to expand Happy Around!'s musical repertoire, earning positive feedback from fans.  

}} {{Episode list  

│ EpisodeNumber       =15  
│ Title               =Solo Holiday  
│ TranslitTitle       =Ohitori-sama Horidē  
│ NativeTitle         =おひとりさまホリデー  
│ NativeTitleLangCode =ja  
│ DirectedBy          =Motoki Nakanishi  
│ WrittenBy           =Gigaemon Ichikawa  
│ OriginalAirDate     =  
│ ShortSummary        =Peaky P-key attempts to enjoy a day off but repeatedly encounters other members in unexpected scenarios, culminating in a resigned group meet-up at Cafe Vinyl.  

}} {{Episode list  

│ EpisodeNumber       =16  
│ Title               =Photon Maiden's Galactic Tokyo Exploration  
│ TranslitTitle       =Photon Maiden no Gyarakutika Tōkyō Tanbō  
│ NativeTitle         =Photon Maidenのギャラクティカ東京探訪  
│ NativeTitleLangCode =ja  
│ DirectedBy          =Motoki Nakanishi  
│ WrittenBy           =Gigaemon Ichikawa  
│ OriginalAirDate     =  
│ ShortSummary        =On a day off intended for filming a promotional video, Photon Maiden tours Tokyo, revealing their producer’s plan to highlight the group’s casual side.  

}}

D4DJ All Mix

| Title               = Template:On the Holy Night  
| TranslitTitle       = Template:Seinaru Yoru ni  
| NativeTitle         = Template:セイナルヨルニ  
| NativeTitleLangCode = Template:Ja  
| DirectedBy          = Template:Hajime Yamanokuchi  
| WrittenBy           = Template:Go Zappa  
| OriginalAirDate     = March 24, 2023 (2023-03-24)  
}}

| Title               = Template:A Bright Future  
| TranslitTitle       = Template:Zento Yōyō  
| NativeTitle         = Template:ゼントヨウヨウ  
| NativeTitleLangCode = Template:Ja  
| DirectedBy          = Template:Yūya Yano, Template:Kentarō Shiga, Template:Daisuke Suzuki  
| WrittenBy           = Template:Go Zappa  
| OriginalAirDate     = March 31, 2023 (2023-03-31)  
}}

}}

Manga

The manga series D4DJ: The story of Happy Around! began serialization in Bushiroad's Monthly Bushiroad magazine on October 8, 2020.

Mobile game

Developed by Donuts and published by Bushiroad, D4DJ Groovy Mix is a free-to-play rhythm game available on Android and iOS. A demo version named D4DJ Groovy Mix D4U Edition was released on February 20, 2020. The complete game launched in Japan on October 25, 2020, followed by an English release on May 27, 2021.

Reception

Christopher Farris of Anime News Network described First Mix as "one of [Bushiroad's] best [idol franchises]" highlighting its refined animation quality but commented that it "did not succeed particularly well" in accurately representing technical DJ skills. Brock K from Anime Feminist commended the series for its clear portrayal of a positive lesbian relationship and its thoughtful exploration of gender identity within the narrative.